AP source: New Jersey's Christie close to starting super PAC

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's supporters are getting ready to launch a super PAC that could raise and spend unlimited sums of money as he moves toward a formal campaign for president in 2016.

A person familiar with the Christie team's efforts, who was not authorized to discuss his plans publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the committee could be formed as early as next week. That would put Christie on the same footing as many of his likely challengers for the Republican nomination as he continues to mull a run for president.

Phil Cox, the former executive director of the Republican Governors Association who is working for Christie's political action committee, is likely to play a role.

The move would allow Christie to begin raising far greater sums than he is allowed to collect through his political action committee, Leadership Matters for America, which launched last month.

Mike DuHaime, Christie's chief political aide, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The plans were first reported by The Washington Post.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced the creation of a super PAC the same day he launched his political action committee.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker last month announced the formation of Our American Revival, a tax-exempt group that can raise unlimited amounts of money to help boost a potential presidential run.